Influenza is now widespread in California and local residents are also feeling the fever, aches and chills.
While the volume of influenza detections and visits to emergency with influenza-like-illness (ILI) is currently at expected levels, the number of flu cases reported week-by-week has been increasing.
During Week 5, a total of about 70 flu cases were reported. In Week 6 there were 125 and 146 in Week 7, which ended February 18. The percentage of emergency department visits because of ILI has been fluctuating between two and four percent. The next influenza report will be published Feb. 29.
The increasing number of cases, health officials say, is a strong reminder that influenza is here and those who have not been vaccinated should do it.
“Flu activity is well within what is expected for this time of year,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H, County Public Health Officer. “However, people should still get vaccinated since flu season typically continues through March and into early April.”
The vaccine is available throughout San Diego County at doctors’ offices, community clinics and retail pharmacies. County public health centers have flu vaccine available for children and for adults with no medical insurance. For a list of locations, visit sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that people 6 months and older get vaccinated; two doses are recommended for children 6 months through 8 years who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time. The doses are to be given four weeks apart.
The vaccine is especially recommended for people at higher risk of developing complications from the flu: pregnant women, children under 5, people 50 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, and people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. Also, persons who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, including health care providers, should also be vaccinated.
Influenza, regardless of the strain, sickens millions and contributes to the death of thousands of people every year. It is estimated that an average of 30,000 individuals die nationwide every year from the flu.
Last season, there were 24 influenza-related deaths locally, the second highest total ever reported in our region.
“Influenza can be a serious and deadly disease; especially for the elderly and young infants, as well as for people with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes,” said Wooten. “The best protection against the flu is getting vaccinated.”
